FL

Staff Attorney - Disaster Legal Services

Job summary

Ft. Myers
Legal

Work model

Hybrid · 2 days home
3 days ago
Job description

About Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS)

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm dedicated to providing free civil legal aid to eligible individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farm workers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has been committed to justice, offering pro bono legal services in various areas including housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, and education law. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education aimed at safeguarding the rights of those in need.

Role Overview

This position is responsible for delivering civil legal services as part of the Disaster Legal Services team. Key areas of focus include Probate, Real Estate, Consumer, and Bankruptcy law, along with other areas specific to disaster recovery. The role involves providing representation and advocacy to individuals, families, and vulnerable communities requiring support.

Essential Functions

  1. Client Services: Interview clients, verify eligibility, identify legal issues within specialized areas, and provide legal assistance through advice, referrals, or representation.
  2. Community Engagement: Participate in community outreach and educational initiatives.
  3. Legal Representation: Represent clients in court and before administrative agencies as required.
  4. Reporting: Provide necessary documentation, statistical information, and records to the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director, or Executive Director.
  5. Case Management: Participate in case acceptance meetings.
  6. Professional Development: Engage in continuous legal education (CLEs) and other mandated training relevant to the legal field and Florida Bar rules.
  7. Work Ethic & Professionalism: Adhere to office hours, demonstrate strong time management, communicate effectively, and treat clients and colleagues with courtesy and respect. Provide constructive feedback to paralegals on discussed cases.
  8. Role Modeling: Support staff by embodying the values of hard work, high-quality advocacy, and respectful interactions.
  9. Accessibility: Ensure local office accessibility for all clients, including rural populations, non-English speakers, and individuals with disabilities.
  10. Public Relations: Foster positive relationships with the public, client groups, service providers, the press, and private bar associations. Attend and speak at local meetings as approved.
  11. Compliance: Understand and adhere to FRLS policies and the requirements of LSC and other funders.
  12. Case Follow-up: Maintain an accurate system for tracking and reviewing cases.
  13. Other Duties: Perform additional assigned tasks as needed.

Requirements

  1. Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
  2. Admission to the Florida Bar.
  3. Proficiency in State and Federal court practices.
  4. Understanding of the legal system, commitment to FRLS's mission, and empathy for clients.
  5. Ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
  6. Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
  7. Capacity to work both collaboratively and independently.
  8. Skill in maximizing existing resources efficiently.
  9. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  10. Familiarity with CMS is a plus.
  11. Ability to perform effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
  12. Bilingual in Spanish/Haitian Creole is preferred but not required.

Working Conditions

This role operates within a professional office environment.

Physical Requirements

  1. Primarily sedentary, with occasional lifting of office supplies up to 20 pounds.
  2. Willingness to travel throughout Florida as necessary.

Reporting Structure

  1. No supervisory responsibilities.
  2. Requires submission of monthly progress reports.

Salary and Benefits

  • Starting Salary: $68,000, based on a union scale and adjusted for experience.
  • Benefits Package: Comprehensive benefits include a 403(b) with employer contribution, health insurance (medical, dental, vision) for employees and dependents, malpractice insurance, generous paid leave (up to 5 weeks PTO, 2 personal days, 13 holidays), and law school loan repayment assistance.
  • Work Environment: Hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the assigned office.

Additional Information

  • Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website: HB531 | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration